System and method for managing and selecting from multiple mobile data top-up product options

ABSTRACT

A system and method for providing top-up of mobile data, by processing one or more transactions between a data sponsor and a data beneficiary who is possibly being served by multiple data providers. The top-up can be based on i) an application program interface (API) call being made into the mobile network operator of a data user or ii) an API call being made into a sponsored data (SD) platform/system (SDS) to allocate a quota to the data user, among other possible product options. In the first option, provisioning of the data quota and consumption against the quota is managed directly by the mobile network operator itself. In the second option, allocation of the quota and consumption against the quota is managed by the SDS and an SD control app. The system can select a particular option because that option best meets one or more business goals or rules.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the following documents that areincorporated by reference herein:

-   -   (1) U.S. Patent Application No. 62/326,135, filed on Apr. 22,        2016; and    -   (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/628,443, now U.S. Pat.        No. 9,582,816, filed on Feb. 23, 2015.        If there are any contradictions or inconsistencies in language        between this application and the documents that have been        incorporated by reference that might affect the interpretation        of the claims in this application, the claims in this        application should be interpreted to be consistent with the        language in this application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to telecommunications in general, and,more particularly, to accessing data via a mobile network or othernetwork capable of exchanging and/or providing data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Data access in a mobile network is unique in the world in that theoperator charges the subscriber per access and by quantity. To that end,a mobile network operator (MNO) keeps a detailed subscriber record inits database. Subscriber records are used to control a mobilesubscriber's ability to access the mobile network and the capabilitiesavailable to the user when using the mobile network. For example,subscriber account information can be used to determine if thesubscriber can access the mobile network and at what usage level.

In the current mobile model, all data received and sent by a mobiledevice user is tracked by the MNO and charged against a pre-agreed dataplan. This could be a post-paid plan, as is most common in the UnitedStates, or a prepaid type plan where mobile users pay up front for ablock of data. Once the mobile data allowance or “quota” is used, themobile user has to pay for the extra amount on their monthly bill or“top up” their phone in the prepaid model if they want to continue usingdata services.

There are two types of transactions that result in a data quota beingadded to the data allowance of a mobile device or other connecteddevice. The first type of transaction involves a purchase, in which adata sponsor purchases an amount of mobile data (i.e., the quota), whichis made available to the subscriber of the mobile device. The datasponsor can be a natural person or a juridical entity (e.g., a business,a brand, etc.). The second type of transaction involves a transfer, inwhich the data sponsor transfers an amount of mobile data, debiting thesponsor's own quota and making it available for consumption or forfurther transaction to the recipient subscriber of the mobile device.

Specific examples of the aforementioned types of transactions include,without limitation: peer-to-peer mobile data gifting (e.g., gifting froma sponsor, etc.), a merchant or brand providing mobile data to a peer ascurrency for a reward, a connected device being reloaded through top-up,and a service pass.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention enables the ability to provide top-up of mobiledata, by processing one or more transactions between a data sponsor anda data beneficiary who is possibly being served by multiple dataproviders. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, top-up can be based on i) an application program interface(API) call being made into the mobile network operator (MNO) of a datauser or ii) an API call being made into a sponsored data (SD)platform/system (SDS) to allocate a quota to the data user, among otherpossible options. In the first option, provisioning of the data quotaand consumption against the quota is managed directly by the mobilenetwork operator itself. In the second option, allocation of the quotaand consumption against the quota is managed by the SDS and an SDcontrol app, while a mobile network operator delivers the data to thedata user. In at least some embodiments of the present invention, thesponsor and data user, or subscriber, can be one and the same; thesubscriber can buy data for himself or herself.

The system of the illustrative disclosure generates a set of one or moreoptimal products for a beneficiary recipient subscriber. In the eventthat more than one product option is available for allocating the dataquota to the recipient subscriber, the system of the illustrativedisclosure selects a particular option because that option best meetsone or more business goals or rules, as tracked by a routing enginedisclosed herein, while considering one or more product informationitems, as tracked by products engine disclosed herein.

The disclosed system and method provide a technical improvement, in thata variety of data top-up transactions can be accommodated on the inboundside (i.e., data sponsor side), such as a purchase transaction and atransfer transaction, while aggregating additional data provisioningsystems, such as sponsored-data systems and direct network provisioningsystems on the outbound side (i.e., data recipient side), and whileconsidering one or more business rules in deciding on the outbound dataprovisioning system to utilize.

An illustrative system for providing mobile data comprises: a databaseconfigured to onboard one or more mobile networks to supply data tomobile subscribers at one or more telecommunication endpoints; aprocessor configured to: a) validate an indication of a mobilesubscriber as being recognized by an on-boarded mobile network, and b)generate a set of one or more optimal data products, including i) afirst product provided by a first vendor comprising the on-boardedmobile network that recognizes the indication of the mobile subscriberand ii) a second product provided by a second vendor comprising azero-rating system, wherein the zero-rating system is external to theon-boarded mobile network; and a network interface configured to: a)receive i) the indication of the mobile subscriber and ii) an indicationof a data amount, and b) transmit a data top-up request to a selectedvendor, wherein the data top-up request comprises i) the indication ofthe mobile subscriber and ii) the indication of the data amount, andwherein the selected vendor to which the data top-up request istransmitted is based on at least one business rule.

An illustrative method for providing mobile data comprises: onboarding,by a computer system, one or more mobile networks to supply data tomobile subscribers at one or more telecommunication endpoints;receiving, by the computer system, i) an indication of a mobilesubscriber and ii) an indication of a data amount; validating, by thecomputer system, the indication of the mobile subscriber as beingrecognized by an on-boarded mobile network; generating, by the computersystem, a set of one or more optimal data products, including i) a firstproduct provided by a first vendor comprising the on-boarded mobilenetwork that recognizes the indication of the mobile subscriber and ii)a second product provided by a second vendor comprising a zero-ratingsystem, wherein the zero-rating system is external to the on-boardedmobile network; and transmitting, by the computer system, a data top-uprequest to a selected vendor, wherein the data top-up request comprisesi) the indication of the mobile subscriber and ii) the indication of thedata amount, and wherein the selected vendor to which the data top-uprequest is transmitted is based on at least one business rule.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts telecommunications system 100, in accordance with theillustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts an alternative view of telecommunications system 100.

FIG. 3 depicts Internet network 101 within telecommunications system100.

FIG. 4 depicts least some of the functions implemented within platform201, within Internet network 101.

FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of the salient components of applicationserver computer 321 within platform 201.

FIG. 6 depict a flowchart diagram that is representative of method 600as performed by some of the salient components of telecommunicationssystem 100, including platform 201.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of endpoint 104-2, which is being servedby a first MNO and in CSP network 102-1, providing a data quota toendpoint 104-3, which is being served by a second MNO and in CSP network102-2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

“App”—For the purposes of this specification, the phrase “app” isdefined as an application downloaded to and executed by a wirelessterminal or other mobile device.

Based on—For the purposes of this specification, the phrase “based on”is defined as “being dependent on” in contrast to “being independentof”. The value of Y is dependent on the value of X when the value of Yis different for two or more values of X. The value of Y is independentof the value of X when the value of Y is the same for all values of X.Being “based on” includes both functions and relations.

Generate—For the purposes of this specification, the infinitive “togenerate” and its inflected forms (e.g., “generating”, “generated”,etc.) should be given the ordinary and customary meaning that the termswould have to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of theinvention.

Processor—For the purposes of this specification, a “processor” isdefined as hardware or hardware and software that perform mathematicaland/or logical operations. A processor can be one or more computationalelements, whether co-located or not and whether networked together ornot.

Receive—For the purposes of this specification, the infinitive “toreceive” and its inflected forms (e.g., “receiving”, “received”, etc.)should be given the ordinary and customary meaning that the terms wouldhave to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of theinvention.

“Sponsor”—For the purposes of this specification, the phrase “sponsor”is defined as an entity associated with sponsored data, which can be,without limitation, an enterprise, an enterprise offering split billingto its employees, a third party, such as an advertiser, an Ad network,or a collection of destinations. Typically, a sponsor is any entity thatpays for at least some of the cost of sponsored data. Yet, the sponsormight not offer any content at all. In some scenarios, the sponsor andbeneficiary can be the same (i.e., “self-sponsorship”).

“Sponsored data”—For the purposes of this specification, the phrase“sponsored data” is defined as data usage by a mobile subscriber that isnot charged to the subscriber's mobile data plan.

Transmit—For the purposes of this specification, the infinitive “totransmit” and its inflected forms (e.g., “transmitting”, “transmitted”,etc.) should be given the ordinary and customary meaning that the termswould have to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of theinvention.

FIG. 1 depicts telecommunications system 100, in accordance with theillustrative embodiment of the present invention. Telecommunicationssystem 100 comprises Internet network 101, communication serviceprovider networks 102-1 through 102-4, and telecommunication endpoints104-1 through 104-7, interrelated as shown.

Internet network 101 is a network that transports informationelectronically. It comprises at least a portion of the Internet, theglobal system of interconnected computer networks that use the Internetprotocol suite (TCP/IP) to link billions of user devices and networkingdevices worldwide. Internet network 101 comprises a plurality ofInternet service provider (ISP) networks of various forms. An ISP is anorganization that provides services for accessing, using, and/orparticipating in the Internet. It provides services for accessing,using, and/or participating in the Internet, through its communicationsnetwork. Some of the more specific classifications of an ISP network is“local”, “tier 2”, and “tier 1”. Internet service providers whosenetworks constitute Internet network 101, as well as other elementswithin telecommunications system 100, establish the worldwideconnectivity between individual networks at various levels of scope.

Internet network 101 comprises computer- and/ortelecommunications-networking devices, which can include gateways,routers, network bridges, switches, hubs, and repeaters. The networkingdevices that constitute network 101 can also include hybrid networkdevices such as multilayer switches, protocol converters, bridgerouters, proxy servers, firewalls, network address translators,multiplexers, network interface controllers, wireless network interfacecontrollers, modems, ISDN terminal adapters, line drivers, wirelessaccess points, networking cables, and other related hardware. At leastsome of the networking devices that are present in Internet network 101,as well as elsewhere within telecommunications system 100, use routingtables in their operating system to direct IP packets to the next-hoprouter or destination. Routing tables are maintained by manualconfiguration or automatically by routing protocols.

Communication service provider (CSP) network 102-i, wherein i asdepicted has a value of between 1 and 4, inclusive, is a network thattransports information electronically. In accordance with theillustrative embodiment, CSP network 102-i is that of atelecommunications service provider (TSP). A TSP can be an incumbentlocal exchange carrier, a competitive local exchange carrier, and/or amobile wireless communication company operated by a mobile networkoperator (MNO), for example and without limitation. In some embodimentsof the present invention, CSP network 102-i can include or alternativelybe the network of an Internet provider, a cable provider, a satelliteprovider, or a managed services business provider, for example andwithout limitation.

Communication service provider (CSP) network 102-i provides user devicesof its end users—for example, endpoints 104-1 through 104-7—with accessto Internet network 101. Communication service provider (CSP) network102-i can also provide each endpoint with connectivity to one or moreother endpoints, either through Internet network 101 or not. In someoperating environments, CSP network 102-i provides such access to alocal area network (LAN), which in turn provides access to the end user.As depicted, the communication provider networks are outside of Internetnetwork 101. In some other embodiments, however, one or more of thecommunication service provider networks can be considered as part ofInternet network 101 (e.g., some local Internet service providernetworks, etc.).

Each CSP network 102-i comprises computer- and/ortelecommunications-networking devices, which can include gateways,routers, network bridges, switches, hubs, and repeaters. The networkingdevices that constitute network 102-i can also include hybrid networkdevices such as multilayer switches, protocol converters, bridgerouters, proxy servers, firewalls, network address translators,multiplexers, network interface controllers, wireless network interfacecontrollers, modems, ISDN terminal adapters, line drivers, wirelessaccess points, networking cables, and other related hardware.

Furthermore, each CSP network provides endpoints with access via one ormore access networks. An “access network” is the part of atelecommunications network that connects endpoints to their immediateservice provider network, in this case CSP network 102-i. The accessnetworks conform to one or more telecommunications standards. Someexamples of such telecommunications standards include, withoutlimitation: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), UniversalMobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE),CDMA-2000, IS-136 TDMA, IS-95 CDMA, 3G Wideband CDMA, IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi,IEEE 802.16 WiMax, Bluetooth, LoRa, and so on. In at least someoperating environments, the access network directly used by suchendpoints is privately owned or maintained (e.g., a home LAN, a businessenterprise, etc.), and is connected to the CSP network via a networkingdevice (e.g., a router, etc.) associated with the private network.

Although four communication service provider networks are depicted inFIG. 1, a different number of such networks can be present, as those whoare skilled in the art will appreciate after reading this specification.

Telecommunication endpoint 104-k, wherein k as depicted has a value ofbetween 1 and 7, inclusive, is a connected device that enables its user(e.g., human, machine, etc.) to telecommunicate with resources withinInternet network 101, with other endpoints, and/or with other resourceswithin telecommunications system 100. Endpoint 104-k is capable oftelecommunications with or without a wire or tangible medium, such thatsome endpoints are wired, some endpoints are wireless, and some areboth, in any combination. An endpoint can be mobile or immobile, and anendpoint can transmit or receive, or transmit and receive. An endpointcan be a wireless terminal, a cellular telephone or cellphone, awireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), a user equipment (UE), a mobilestation, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a pager, a personal digitalassistant (PDA), a smartphone, a tablet, a phablet, a smart watch, adesk set, a computer, or any other type of end-user device capable ofoperating in a telecommunications environment, for example and withoutlimitation. In some embodiments of the present invention, one or moreendpoints can be a connected device within a machine-to-machine (M2M),Internet of Things (IoT), or automotive (e.g., self-driving car, etc.)context.

Endpoint 104-k is capable of providing access to its user via one ormore access networks, as described above and in regard to CSP network102-i. As already described, some examples of access networks includenetworks based on the following telecommunications standards, withoutlimitation: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), UniversalMobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE),CDMA-2000, IS-136 TDMA, IS-95 CDMA, 3G Wideband CDMA, IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi,IEEE 802.16 WiMax, Bluetooth, LoRa, and so on.

Although seven telecommunication endpoints are depicted in FIG. 1, adifferent number of such endpoints can be present, as those who areskilled in the art will appreciate after reading this specification.Furthermore, a different number than depicted can be associated witheach communication service provider network 102-i. One or more endpointscan be associated with a given end user.

FIG. 2 depicts an alternative view of telecommunications system 100,which includes an illustrative combination of i) mobile money platform(MMP) 201; ii) data sponsors, including application/platform providersystem 202 and reward portal 204; and iii) data recipients, includingdirect network provisioning system 206 and zero rating system 208. Asthose who are skilled in the art will appreciate, after reading thisspecification, other types of data sponsor systems and other types ofdata recipient systems (e.g., network aggregator-based, etc.) can beaccommodated.

As depicted, some of the endpoints are associated with data sponsors(i.e., on the left side of the figure) and some of the endpoints areassociated with data quota recipients (i.e., on the right side). Asthose who are skilled in the art will appreciate, after reading thisspecification, at least some telecommunications endpoints can beinvolved with both sponsoring data and receiving a data quota. Forexample and without limitation, a user at endpoint 104-5 can sponsordata through system 202 as depicted, while in a different set oftransactions, endpoint 104-5 can receive a data quota throughprovisioning system 208 as depicted.

Subscribers at some endpoints can have a data quota provided two themvia at least two different data products. For example, the subscriber atendpoint 104-3 can have data directly provisioned to the endpoint viaprovisioning system 206 or provisioned via a zero-rating systemassociated with provisioning system 208. The actual delivery of data toendpoint 104-3 is through the MNO of CSP network 102-2, in bothscenarios.

In addition, a given endpoint can be associated with multiple scenariosof sponsoring data (e.g., application provider-based, rewardsportal-based, etc.).

The respective endpoint depictions in FIGS. 1 and 2 are not intended toimply a fixed relationship between the data sponsors and recipientsshown in FIG. 2 and the CSP networks shown in FIG. 1. Differentrelationships are possible in addition to or instead of what is providedherein for illustrative purposes.

As depicted in FIG. 2, the endpoints associated with data sponsors andthe endpoints associated with data recipients are different. As thosewho are skilled in the art will appreciate after reading thisspecification, however, a given telecommunication endpoint can beassociated with both a data sponsor and a data recipient. A user at agiven endpoint can use one or more data sponsor mechanisms to top-up theuser's own data quota.

In FIG. 2, platform 201 performs at least some of the operations of theillustrative embodiment and, in doing so, coordinates data sponsors anddata recipients. Platform 201 is described in more detail below and inregard to FIGS. 3 and 4.

System 202 comprises application server 203 and one or moretelecommunication endpoints, including endpoints 104-2 and 104-5.Endpoints 104-2 and 104-5 are capable of executing an over-the-top (OTT)software application, or “app”. An OTT app enables the endpoint, andthus its user, to access the corresponding OTT call service provided viaserver 203. The OTT call service provides a mechanism for the user tosponsor data via the OTT app and on behalf of a data recipient who isspecified by the user. Alternatively, endpoints 104-2 and 104-5 arecapable of executing an app that is provided by the endpoint user's MNOto coordinate with server 203, thereby enabling the user to sponsor datavia the MNO and on behalf of a data recipient who is specified by theuser.

System 204 comprises application server 205 and one or moretelecommunications endpoints, including endpoints 104-1 and 104-6.Endpoint 104-1 and 104-6 are capable of executing a reward portal app.Such an app enables the endpoint, and thus its user, to access a rewardportal via server 205. The reward portal provides a mechanism for theuser to sponsor data via the app and on behalf of a data recipient whois specified by the user.

System 206 comprises mobile network operator (MNO) system 207 and one ormore telecommunications endpoints, including endpoints 104-3 and 104-4.Each endpoint is capable of interacting with MNO system 207, whichprovides data to one or more of endpoints 104-3 and 104-4 associatedwith the MNO, by accepting an instruction or request (e.g., via anapplication program interface [API] call, etc.) to provision a dataquota to the associated endpoint. The quota and consumption against thequote is managed by MNO system 207.

System 208 comprises quota manager (QM) 209 and one or moretelecommunications endpoints, including endpoints 104-3, 104-5 and104-7. QM 209 comprises a mechanism by which to process an instructionor request (e.g., an API call, etc.) to allocate a data quota to theassociated endpoint. The quota and consumption against the quota ismanaged by a sponsored data platform and control app, as part of azero-rating method as is known in the art. Zero-rating and sponsoreddata is described in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/628,443, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,582,816, filed on Feb. 23, 2015, which is incorporated byreference herein.

FIG. 3 depicts Internet network 101 within telecommunications system100. Internet network 101 comprises routers 301 through 309 and variousother computer systems such as, but not limited to, firewalls, loadbalancers, proxy server computers, application server computers, anddatabase server computers, all of which are known in the art. Some ofthe aforementioned equipment constitutes platform 201, as describedbelow. Although only some of the aforementioned equipment is depicted inFIG. 3, those with skill in the art will appreciate how to make and usethe present invention within the context of an Internet network, afterreading this specification.

Platform 201 comprises application proxy server computer 311 withinpublic subnet 310, application server computer 321 and database servercomputer 322 within private subnet 320, routers 305 through 308, andother computer systems such as firewalls, load balancers, and so on.Application server computer 321 is described below and depicted in FIG.5. Moreover, application server computer 321 performs at least some ofthe operations described below and in FIGS. 6 and 7.

As depicted, servers 311, 321, and 322 are represented as being separateand distinct server computers. As those who are skilled in the art willappreciate after reading this specification, however, one or more ofservers 311, 321, and 322 can be implemented within a single servercomputer or within a cloud-based system, or both.

At least some of the functions implemented within platform 201 (e.g., insoftware, etc.) are depicted in FIG. 4. As depicted, the functionsimplemented within application server computer 321 comprise data top-upAPIs 401, products engine 402, crawler 403, routing engine 404, andnetwork API gateway 405. The functions implemented within databaseserver computer 322 comprise onboarding portal 407, billing portal 408,and database 409.

Data top-up APIs 401 provide an interface between application servers203 and 205, via proxy server 311, and one or more of elements 402, 404,and 406. In some embodiments of the present invention, some or all ofthe APIs used within application server computer 321 arerepresentational state transfer-based (REST-based), as is known in theart.

Products engine 402 stores and indexes available transactions (e.g.,those involving a purchase, those involving a transfer, etc.) bynetwork. The products engine is populated with custom products and alsodynamically with updates provided by crawler 403. Product informationitems that can be stored by engine 402 can include, while not beinglimited to, the following:

-   -   i. product description,    -   ii. provisioning mode (i.e., direct network provisioning or        zero-rated),    -   iii. translation type, including purchase, transfer, and redeem,    -   iv. consumption type, including single network, domestic        roaming, and international roaming,    -   v. price,    -   vi. cost,    -   vii. performance, including data speed,    -   viii. fraud history,    -   ix. product package denomination, and    -   x. user messages.

Crawler 403 scans networks of providers 430 for offer parameters andupdates products engine 402.

Routing engine 404 steers a transaction to the provider meeting businessgoals, using information stored by products engine 402. Network APIgateway 405 normalizes message between routing engine 404 and theproviders 430, including MNO 207, QM 209, and one or more networkaggregators. A network aggregator reflects a connection and an agreementwith multiple MNO networks, in contrast to a single MNO network, to makea connection available to a data quota recipient endpoint. Normalizingthrough a translator is used in order to account for a lack of aprotocol standard and for the multiple provisioning options, includingi) MNO 207 billing system and provisioning and ii) the sponsored datacontrol app and back-end processing (i.e., by QM 209).

Routing engine 404 can consider one or more of the following businessgoals or rules (e.g., operational rules, service guidelines, etc.), forexample and without limitation:

-   -   i. margin maximization (price-cost),    -   ii. volume goal to provider,    -   iii. data-speed maximization,    -   iv. the type of service a customer wants to provide (e.g., a        social network, etc.),    -   v. fraud mitigation, and    -   vi. connected device security requirement.

As described below, gateway 405 drives a particular data provisioningoption because either that option is the only one available or, if bothare available, because the particular option selected meets one or morepredetermined business rules (e.g., margin maximized, etc.).

Validation and messaging function 406 verifies the MSISDN of theselected data quota user, as received by APIs 401 from applicationserver 203 or 205. Function 406 also informs the data quota user via oneor more messages (e.g., SMS, etc.), of the data quota transaction. Thedata sponsor is informed via APIs 401.

Within database server computer 322, onboarding portal 407 provides forthe onboarding, as is known in the art, of the various data suppliers(i.e., direct or zero-rated) and of the customers of the mobile datatop-up service disclosed herein. Billing portal 408 provides for thebilling coordination of the mobile data top-up service. These onboardingand billing functions are configurable from an MMP administration andbilling system, which is not depicted in FIG. 4.

Database 409 is used to store information obtained by onboarding portal407 and billing portal 408, which information is used by routing engine404 and gateway 405.

FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of the salient components of applicationserver computer 321 within platform 201, in accordance with theillustrative embodiment. Server computer 321 comprises: processor 501,memory 502, and network interface module 503, which are interconnectedas shown.

As those who are skilled in the art will appreciate after reading thisspecification, the hardware platform performing at least some of thetasks performed by server computer 321 can be embodied as amulti-processor platform, as a sub-component of a larger computingplatform, as a virtual computing element, or in some other computingenvironment—all within the scope of the present invention.

As those who are skilled in the art will appreciate after reading thisspecification, server computer 321 can be a different type of computersystem apparatus than a server computer, and can be referred to by adifferent name such as a data-processing system, a computing device, oranother type of hardware platform that comprises one or more processors,one or more memories, and one or more network interfaces, for exampleand without limitation.

Processor 501 is a general-purpose processor that is configured toexecute operating system 511 and application software 512, and topopulate, amend, use, and manage database 513, as described in detailbelow and in the accompanying figures.

Memory 502 is non-transitory and non-volatile computer storage memorytechnology that is well known in the art (e.g., flash memory, etc.).Memory 502 is configured to store operating system 511, applicationsoftware 512, and database 513. The operating system is a collection ofsoftware that manages server computer 321's hardware resources andprovides common services for computer programs, such as those thatconstitute the application software. The application software that isexecuted by processor 501 enables server computer 321 to perform atleast some of the functions disclosed herein, and can comprise aproducts engine, a routing engine, a crawler, and a network API gateway,as described below. Database 513 comprises information received fromdatabase server 322.

It will be clear to those having ordinary skill in the art how to makeand use alternative embodiments that comprise more than one memory 502;or comprise subdivided segments of memory 502; or comprise a pluralityof memory technologies that collectively store the operating system,application software, and database.

Network interface module 503 comprises a network adapter configured toenable server computer 321 to transmit information to and receiveinformation from other parts of platform 201.

In regard to application proxy server computer 311 within public subnet310 and database server computer 322 within private subnet 320, in someembodiments of the present invention, each of these server computers aresimilar to application server computer 321 described above and withrespect to FIG. 5, at least as far as the equipment itself is concerned.As those who are skilled in the art will appreciate after reading thisspecification, the hardware platform performing at least some of thetasks performed by one or more of server computers 311 and 322 can beembodied as a multi-processor platform, as a sub-component of a largercomputing platform, as a virtual computing element, or in some othercomputing environment—all within the scope of the present invention.

As those who are skilled in the art will appreciate after reading thisspecification, any or all of server computers 311 and 322 can be adifferent type of computer system apparatus than a server computer, andcan be referred to by a different name such as a data-processing system,a computing device, or another type of hardware platform that comprisesone or more processors, one or more memories, and one or more networkinterfaces, for example and without limitation.

FIG. 6 depict a flowchart diagram that is representative of method 600as performed by some of the salient components of telecommunicationssystem 100, including platform 201 and in accordance with theillustrative embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 6, and also in the messageflow diagram of FIG. 7, the processes performed by platform 201 of theillustrative embodiment are depicted in the drawings as being performedin a particular order. It will, however, be clear to those skilled inthe art, after reading this disclosure, that such operations can beperformed in a different order than depicted or can be performed in anon-sequential order (e.g., in parallel, etc.). In some embodiments ofthe present invention, some or all of the depicted processes might becombined or performed by different devices than depicted. In someembodiments of the present invention, some of the depicted processesmight be omitted.

At operation 601, one or more data suppliers are on-boarded. With regardto an MNO, this includes obtaining initial contact information,qualification analysis, service parameters, and a verification of thesponsor list and content with MNO. Once the information is gathered,certain preliminary functions are performed depending on whether thereare existing sponsor relationships with the MNO or SDS. These functionsinclude, among any other tasks, whitelisting. With regard to onboardinga sponsored-data system (SDS), the SDS receives at least some of thefollowing information from the sponsor: a) contact list, b) list of MNOsthey want or do not want to do business with, c) a description ofcontent type. SDS provides the sponsored data top-level domain (TLD) orInternet protocol (IP) address to the sponsor with a unique identifierthat is then pre-pended to the TLD.

At operation 603, one or more customers are on-boarded via an MMPadministration and billing system and through onboarding portal 407.

At operation 605, one or more data products are created.

At operation 607, the data top-up decision engine is configured—namely,configuring routing engine 404 and products engine 402, and filling indatabase 409 with information.

At operation 609, platform 201 receives a request for data top-up for agiven, intended data quota recipient endpoint. This is depicted in moredetail in FIG. 7, which illustrates an example of endpoint 104-2, whichis being served by a first MNO and in CSP network 102-1. Endpoint 104-2is providing a data quota to endpoint 104-3, which is being served by asecond MNO and in CSP network 102-2.

FIG. 7 provides an example of a peer-to-peer data top-up. However, asimilar set of message flows and processes are applicable to a rewardagent adding to a beneficiary recipient subscriber's data quota (i.e.,in return for a particular type of behavior being exhibited by thesubscriber), is applicable to a business, other than the MNO that hasprovisioned the endpoint, selling data that comes as increments to theendpoint's existing quota, and is applicable to other types of datasponsors, for example and without limitation.

As represented by operation 701 in FIG. 7, the subscriber opens the appon endpoint 104-2. The subscriber selects the particular mobile datatop-up service to be used and enters the recipient subscriber number,which can be a Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number(MSISDN) or other indication of the recipient subscriber at endpoint104-3. The sponsor subscriber selects the amount of data to be allocatedto the recipient subscriber. The subscriber can also select a paymentmethod.

At this point, the app executing at endpoint 104-2 initiates message703, which includes an indication of the recipient mobile subscriber(i.e., the MSISDN), among other information such as an indication of theamount of data to be allocated. Server 203 forwards the information itreceives to proxy server 311, via message 705. Server 311 forwards theinformation it receives to application server computer 321, via message707, at which point server computer 321 receives the request for datatop-up for the MSISDN indicated, at operation 609 depicted in both FIGS.6 and 7.

At operation 611, platform 201 validates the MSISDN as being part of, oras being recognized by, a valid on-boarded network (e.g., as a homenetwork, as a roaming network, etc.), in well-known fashion.

At operation 613, platform 201 generates, for the given MSISDN, a set ofone or more optimal data products (e.g., generates a set of the bestdata product or products, etc.) provided by one or more vendors asdescribed below. In the event that more than one data-product option isavailable for allocating the data quota to the recipient subscriber—asin the case of endpoint 104-3—then platform 201 can select a particularoption because that option best meets one or more business goals orrules, as tracked by routing engine 404, while considering one or moreproduct information items, as tracked by products engine 402. Examplesof business goals/rules and product information items are describedabove and with regard to FIG. 4.

Routing engine 404 can select a top-up method when both options areavailable with a target MNO, according to each possible transaction'sresidual margin. To this end, and for each transaction being considered,the decision-making engine evaluates both the MNO-based and sponsoreddata platform-based options, seeking to maximize margin. Margin can be afunction of price, agreed-upon sales share % and/or platform cost, withregard to the MNO-based option, and a function of price, wholesale datacost, breakage assumption (i.e., what amount of purchased data ends upnot being used), and/or platform cost, with regard to the sponsored dataplatform-based option.

In some alternative scenarios, maximizing margin of a different entity(e.g., an MNO) than the entity controlling data top-up can be used todetermine the top-up option that is to be selected for use. Also, acriterion different than margin can be considered.

As those who are skilled in the art will appreciate after reading thisspecification, additional vendors can be considered at operation 613 fordata provisioning. For example, one or more additional direct providersof a data quota might be considered, depending on what the recipientsubscriber is subscribed to, what the capabilities of the directproviders are, and what the product information dictates. Similarly, oneor more additional zero-rating systems might be considered. One or moredifferent types of data provisioning systems might be considered, suchas network aggregators.

At operation 615, based on the outcome of operation 613, platform 201transmits a data top-up request to a vendor, including the indicationsof the recipient mobile subscriber and the amount of data to beallocated. For example, the vendor can be a direct provider of a dataquota, as represented by option 720 in FIG. 7, or can be zero-rated, asrepresented by option 730, wherein the particular option that isselected depends on operation 613.

If a direct provider (e.g., MNO system 207, etc.) of a data quota is tobe involved, gateway 405 of server computer 321 transmits message 709 toa first vendor comprising MNO system 207 of data provisioning system206, thereby provisioning the recipient subscriber (as identified by theMSISDN or other indication) with an additional amount of data (e.g., 500Mbytes, etc.) based on the indication of the amount of the data amount.At operation 711, MNO 207 informs the recipient subscriber at endpoint104-3 of the provisioned data, with message 713 (e.g., an SMS message,etc.). The recipient subscriber can be informed of the amount of timethat the data allowance will be available to the subscriber, the amountof data in the allowance, and/or the expiration date/time of theallowance. At operation 715, the mobile data account is credited as perthe denomination of the data quota. Meanwhile, the MNO of endpoint 104-3consumes the data that has been provisioned.

If the data is to be zero-rated, gateway 405 of server computer 321transmits message 721 via quota manager 209 associated with dataprovisioning system 208, as represented by option 730 in FIG. 7, therebyallocating a data quota (e.g., of 500 Mbytes, etc.) to the recipientsubscriber. In other words, message 721 is transmitted to a secondvendor, comprising a zero-rating system (e.g., sponsored-data system,etc.). At operation 723, system 208 informs the recipient subscriber atendpoint 104-3 of the data quota, with message 725 (e.g., an SMSmessage, etc.). The recipient subscriber can be informed of the amountof time that the data allowance will be available to the subscriber, theamount of data in the allowance, and/or the expiration date/time of theallowance. At operation 727, the mobile data account is credited as perthe denomination of the data quota. The associated sponsored data systemopens, meters, zero-rates, and closes the data connection as per thequota specified.

Now referring back to FIG. 6, at operation 617, invoices from one ormore MNOs are received. In some embodiments of the present invention,the sponsored data system, if involved, can monitor the usage of dataand assists an MNO to prepare an invoice that the MNO ultimatelyprovides. The MNO can base one or more invoices on negotiated rates andthe MNO's byte count (reconciled with the SDS's own byte count), and theSDS can invoice sponsors based on SDS's byte counts at its negotiatedrates.

At operation 619, one or more invoices are prepared and provided fordelivery to the customer of the mobile data top-up service describedherein.

Different variations of data top-up are possible. For example andwithout limitation, peer-to-peer data top-up can be a two-stage process,as explained here within the context FIG. 7. The app executing atendpoint 104-2 initiates message 703, which includes an indication ofthe recipient mobile subscriber (i.e., the MSISDN), but with noindication of the amount of data to be allocated. At operation 613,platform 201 generates, for the given MSISDN, a set of one or moreoptimal data products, similar to what is described above. In response,platform 201 returns the set (e.g., in a list, etc.) of products to theoriginator, in this case the application running on endpoint 104-2.Then, endpoint 104-2 sends a message to complete the data top-up, whichmessage contains both the indication of the recipient mobile subscriber(i.e., the MSISDN) and the data product to be allocated (i.e., selectedfrom the set provided by platform 201 to the originator). This secondmessage does not have to be subject to operations 609, 611, and 613, andis processed by operations 615 and beyond.

Although a mobile network, mobile subscribers, and mobile data arefeatured in the illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, asthose who are skilled in the art will appreciate after reading thisspecification, the teachings in the present disclosure can be applied toa different type of network, subscribers, and/or data, including but notlimited to what is disclosed within this specification and its claims.

It is to be understood that the disclosure teaches just one example ofthe illustrative embodiment and that many variations of the inventioncan easily be devised by those skilled in the art after reading thisdisclosure and that the scope of the present invention is to bedetermined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer system for providing mobile data,comprising: a database configured to onboard one or more mobile networksto supply data to mobile subscribers at one or more telecommunicationendpoints; a processor configured to: a) validate an indication of amobile subscriber as being recognized by an on-boarded mobile network,and b) generate a set of optimal data products for data top-up from atleast two vendors, including at least: i) a first product for datatop-up provided by a first vendor comprising the on-boarded mobilenetwork that recognizes the indication of the mobile subscriber; and ii)a second product for data top-up provided by a second vendor comprisinga zero-rating system, wherein the zero-rating system is external to theon-boarded mobile network; and a network interface configured to: a)receive: i) the indication of the mobile subscriber; and ii) anindication of a data amount, and b) transmit a data top-up request to aselected vendor, wherein the data top-up request comprises: i) theindication of the mobile subscriber; and ii) the indication of the dataamount, and wherein the selected vendor to which the data top-up requestis transmitted is based on at least one business rule.
 2. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the selected vendor to which the data top-up request istransmitted is further based on a capability of the on-boarded mobilenetwork.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one business ruleconsiders margin maximization.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the atleast one business rule considers a type of service that a particularcustomer wants to provide.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein the type ofservice includes a social network.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein theat least one business rule considers fraud mitigation.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, where the network interface is further configured to: receive afirst invoice from the on-boarded mobile network, and transmit a secondinvoice to a first customer, wherein the second invoice is based on thefirst invoice, and wherein the first customer is other than i) the firstvendor, ii) the second vendor, and iii) the mobile subscriber.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the selected vendor to which the data top-uprequest is transmitted is the second vendor, and wherein a firsttelecommunication endpoint associated with the mobile subscriber isoperating within the on-boarded mobile network.
 9. The system of claim 1wherein the indication of the mobile subscriber is received from asecond telecommunication endpoint.
 10. The system claim 1 wherein theindication of the mobile subscriber comprises a Mobile StationInternational Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN).
 11. A method forproviding mobile data comprising: onboarding, by a computer system, oneor more mobile networks to supply data to mobile subscribers at one ormore telecommunication endpoints; receiving, by the computer system, i)an indication of a mobile subscriber and ii) an indication of a dataamount; validating, by the computer system, the indication of the mobilesubscriber as being recognized by an on-boarded mobile network;generating, by the computer system, a set of optimal data products fordata top-up from at least two vendors, including at least: i) a firstproduct for data top-up provided by a first vendor comprising theon-boarded mobile network that recognizes the indication of the mobilesubscriber; and ii) a second product for data top-up provided by asecond vendor comprising a zero-rating system, wherein the zero-ratingsystem is external to the on-boarded mobile network; and transmitting,by the computer system, a data top-up request to a selected vendor,wherein the data top-up request comprises i) the indication of themobile subscriber and ii) the indication of the data amount, and whereinthe selected vendor to which the data top-up request is transmitted isbased on at least one business rule.
 12. The method of claim 11 whereinthe selected vendor to which the data top-up request is transmitted isfurther based on a capability of the on-boarded mobile network.
 13. Themethod of claim 11 wherein the at least one business rule considersmargin maximization.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein the at least onebusiness rule considers a type of service that a particular customerwants to provide.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the type of serviceincludes a social network.
 16. The method of claim 11 wherein the atleast one business rule considers fraud mitigation.
 17. The method ofclaim 11 further comprising: receiving, by the computer system, a firstinvoice from the on-boarded mobile network; and transmitting a secondinvoice to a first customer, wherein the second invoice is based on thefirst invoice, and wherein the first customer is other than i) the firstvendor, ii) the second vendor, and iii) the mobile subscriber.
 18. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the selected vendor to which the data top-uprequest is transmitted is the second vendor, and wherein a firsttelecommunication endpoint associated with the mobile subscriber isoperating within the on-boarded mobile network.
 19. The method of claim11 wherein the indication of the mobile subscriber is received from asecond telecommunication endpoint.
 20. The method of claim 11 whereinthe indication of the mobile subscriber comprises a Mobile StationInternational Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN).
 21. The method claim20 wherein the at least one business rule considers connected devicesecurity requirements.